Starting in 2011, ESPN will host a three-year men’s college basketball event featuring Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and Michigan State.
Dubbed the Champions Classic, the games will be played at a different neutral site location each year and serve as prime time telecasts during ESPN’s annual College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon.
“The unique Champions Classic event brings together four of the all-time best programs and coaches to create a tremendous pillar for the start of the college basketball season over the next three years,” said Nick Dawson, director, ESPN programming and acquisitions. “We appreciate the cooperation of the schools for embracing the challenge of playing the sport’s premier programs in three great basketball cities.”
Below are the dates and locations for the three-year event:
Nov. 15, 2011:
(Madison Square Garden)
Duke vs. Michigan State
Kansas vs. Kentucky
Nov. 13, 2012:
(Georgia Dome)
Michigan State vs. Kansas
Duke vs. Kentucky
Nov. 12, 2013:
(United Center)
Michigan State vs. Kentucky
Duke vs. Kansas